West Ham striker Ayew faces lengthy absence with "significant injury"

Chelsea's Eden Hazard (C) in action against West Ham United's Michail Antonio (R) and Mark Noble (L) during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and West Ham at Stamford Bridge in London, Britain, 15 August 2016.

Photograph: EPA/HANNAH MCKAY

New West Ham signing Andre Ayew faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining a "significant" thigh injury in his side's loss at Chelsea on Monday.

The 26-year-old lasted just 35 minutes against Chelsea, having joined for 20.5 million pounds from Swansea.

West Ham's Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke told the club's website that Ayew "injured his right thigh at Chelsea on Monday and underwent a scan on Wednesday afternoon.

"The medical team will now assess the results with a leading consultant before drawing any conclusions," he added. "My first thought and priority is with the player and his physical and mental well-being. He has suffered a significant injury and it is imperative that we do not rush to conclusions and we receive the correct diagnosis by consulting top specialists," Vandenbroucke said. “At this time, it is too early to put a timeframe on his potential return date but Andre is facing a significant rehabilitation period."

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